Each month outstanding Student Affairs staff members, full-time and student employees, are nominated by their peers for the STAR (Staff That Are Remarkable) Moment Award. To be considered for a STAR Moment Award, a person must demonstrate a willingness to go above and beyond, whether it be through outstanding customer service, helping a coworker, or stepping up in a difficult situation.

Recently, two student managers at the Waterson Dining Commons, Erica Escelante and Morgan Hartley, were recognized for their actions during a medical emergency while at work. When a student employee suddenly lost consciousness while clocking out at the end of their shift, Escelante and Hartley immediately sprang into action. They worked together to contact 911 and administer help, via the dispatcher’s instructions. Their ability to stay calm in this stressful situation until the EMTs arrived ensured that their fellow employee was able to get the care they needed and prevented a more serious situation from occurring. Their outstanding response to such a serious situation exemplifies what STAR Moment Award nominees are all about.

Escelante and Hartley were recognized by Jay Laesch, unit administrator, who nominated them, and Dr. Levester “LJ” Johnson, vice president for Student Affairs. “When the student went down Escelante and Hartley were right there to help. They stayed calm and did everything they could to make sure that the student was safe,” said Laesch.

Event Management, Dining, and Hospitality, a Student Affairs department, employs approximately 1,000 full-time and student employees. Students gain many incredible transferable skills through campus employment while helping them connect with members of the Redbird community and financially support their collegiate careers. Student Affairs is proud of the opportunities it provides students to learn and grow through employment.